Bosanski Pasulj sa Rebrcima
Bosnian Bean Stew with Ribs
A hearty and flavorful stew featuring tender white beans slow-cooked with smoked pork ribs, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This dish is a staple in Bosnian cuisine, offering comfort and warmth.
๐ง Ingredients
- 500 g Dried white beans (e.g., navy or cannellini)(soaked overnight)
- 700 g Smoked pork ribs
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(chopped)
- 1 medium Parsnip(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Paprika (sweet)
- 2 Bay leaves
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil or lard
- 2 l Water or broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Drain the soaked beans and rinse them thoroughly. Set aside.
- 2
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil or lard over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sautรฉ until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the chopped carrots and parsnip to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 5
Add the smoked pork ribs to the pot and brown them slightly on all sides.
- 6
Stir in the sweet paprika and bay leaves. Pour in the water or broth, ensuring the ribs and vegetables are mostly submerged. Bring to a boil.
- 7
Add the drained beans to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for at least 2 hours, or until the beans are very tender and the ribs are cooked through and falling off the bone. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if needed.
- 8
Once the stew has cooked, season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- 9
Serve hot, with a piece of smoked rib in each bowl. It's traditionally served with crusty bread.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โSoaking the beans overnight is crucial for even cooking and digestibility.
- โUsing smoked pork ribs adds a deep, savory flavor. If unavailable, use unsmoked ribs and add a piece of smoked bacon.
- โFor a thicker stew, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot towards the end of cooking.
- โThis stew tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a diced bell pepper along with the onions for extra flavor and color.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ribs and use vegetable broth. Consider adding smoked paprika for a smoky depth.